Young and Beginning Eligibility
Our AgStart and Development Fund loans are for young and beginning producers in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. The specialized loans are for full- or part-time farmers and ranchers pursuing production agriculture as a primary occupation. One or more of the following qualifications* is necessary:
- 35 years of age or less
- 10 years or less of primary operation management
- $350,000 or less in projected gross farm income per year
What Makes Our Young and Beginning Loans Different
AgStart has existed for more than a decade and is a market-driven program designed for young and beginning producers who have promising operations but lack the financial strength to qualify for a conventional loan.
We added the Development Fund to our young and beginning program to help the financial progress of young and beginning producers and provide additional capital through planning assistance, modified loan terms and low-interest loans that work in conjunction with AgStart or conventional financing.
Investing in the Future of Agriculture
We understand that growing the next generation takes time and commitment. We invest in young and beginning producers at every stage of their career. This includes:
- FFA and 4-H grants, donations and sponsorships
- Youth in Agriculture Loans to give future producers first-hand experience in business planning and farm financing
- Scholarships to land grant, four-year and two-year universities and colleges for students pursing ag-related careers
- Monthly Side by Side webinars aimed at the unique needs and interests of emerging producers
- Digital financial tools to monitor and measure success